Suicide risk for female physicians 76% higher than for the general population
An analysis of evidence from 20 countries shows that the risk of suicide among female doctors is significantly higher than in the general population.
The researchers said that while physician suicide rates have declined over time, and the risk varies by country and region, the findings highlight the need for continued research and prevention efforts.
Their findings were published in the journal BMJ.
Previous estimates suggest that one doctor commits suicide every day in the US, and about one every ten days in the UK. However, the evidence on physician suicide rates varies between countries.
To address this problem, researchers led by the University of Vienna in Austria analyzed the results of observational studies published between 1960 and 2024 that compared suicide rates among physicians with those among the general population.
A total of 39 studies from 20 countries were included. The researchers found no overall increase in suicide risk for male doctors compared with the general population. However, for female doctors, the suicide risk was significantly higher (76%) than for the general population, the BMJ reported.
While no overall increase was found among male physicians compared to the general public, a separate analysis of the data found that male physicians were at higher risk of suicide compared to other professional groups of “similar socioeconomic status.”
An analysis of the 10 most recent studies and comparison with older studies found that suicide rates decreased over time among both male and female physicians.
“Overall, this study highlights the continued need for interventions to prevent suicide among physicians,” the research team wrote in the BMJ.
“We found evidence of higher suicide rates among female physicians compared to the general population, and among male physicians compared to other professionals.
“The recent Covid-19 pandemic has put additional strain on physicians’ mental health, potentially exacerbating risk factors for suicide, such as depression and substance use.”
In a linked editorial, experts from Doctors in Distress, a charity that provides support to healthcare workers, wrote: “The persistently high suicide rates among female doctors require particularly urgent attention from researchers, healthcare leaders and policymakers. This should include looking at studies to investigate likely contributors such as discrimination and sexual harassment, characterising those most at risk, and developing and evaluating gender-specific interventions to protect the mental health of female doctors.
“All physicians should have access to early intervention and confidential treatment services so they don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Katie Hardcastle, senior research manager at Samaritans, said: “We are concerned that this new global evidence points to an increased risk of suicide among female doctors, as it builds on what we know from national data about the risk among female healthcare professionals, particularly nurses.
“It is vital that all healthcare workers who are struggling are encouraged and supported to seek help when needed.”
In the UK, the NHS said staff wellbeing was a critical part of its workforce plan.
A spokesperson added: “There is a range of mental health support available to staff, including access to 24/7 confidential support services, coaching and flexible working options, but we know much more needs to be done to ensure everyone working in the NHS feels comfortable asking for help and gets the right support when they do.”